Bathtub structure



March 28, 1944. F. LANDAUER 2,344,990

BATHTUB STRUCTURE "amiga-l- F/G. 4. a 52 az@ lNvENToR. FRE@ AA/Muff?.

ffy/m75 Malcl'lizs, 1944. F LANDAUER -BATHTUB STRUCTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 'f1 Filed May 2 Patented Mar. 28, 1li-'ill UNITED STATES yPATENT oFFlcE BATHTUB STRUCTURE lFred Landauer, New York, N. Y. Application May 2, 1941, serial N0.' 391,491

2 Claims.

This invention relates to medical baths, such as electro-therapeutic baths, and more particularly to improvements in or relating to bath tub structures or similar vessels for facilitating a uniform administration of such electric baths to persons suffering from certain ailments.

In its broadest aspect this invention tends to avoid the disadvantages resulting from the conventional form and shape of the bath tub requiring a relatively high water level in the tub when it becomes necessary to cover chest or other upper parts of the human body to be subjected for treatment in such therapeutic baths. Consequently, a relatively large quantity of Water and high water level will be apparent above the legs of the bather if the Water also reaches and covers, for instance, his chest.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide bath tub structures which are so shaped that when the body is reclining in the bath tub, the column of water in that portion of the tub receiving the chest or other Aupper parts of the body Will be higher than the Water column contained in that portion of the tub receiving the thigh and leg parts of the bather.

It is another object ci the present invention to provide a substantially L-shaped bath tub structure, the horizontally extending portion of which being preferably closed by removable closure means.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide electrode means either iixed or displaceable relatively to one another at prede'- termined locations within such new bath tub structures.

Yet, another object of the present invention resides in the provision of slideably arranged or swingably disposed electrode means within such bath tub, the electrode means being made to approach each other selectively and With respect to the body part to be treated.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide means to very rapidly discharge the Water or any other bath liquid used in connection with such therapeutic baths, from the bath tub proper into an auxiliary container or the like in order to free the bather from the bath liquid after termination of the hydro-electric treatment permitting the patient to withdraw from the bath tub Without Waiting until the tub is empied in the customary manner.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide adjustable means preferably con.- nected with the legs of the bath tub structure whereby to change the positioning ofthe bath tub and the level of the water contained therein with respect to the bather reclined therein.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide removable water inlet or shower head means which can be clamped to a wall of the bath tub or inserted in predetermined openings of the bath tub Wall, the aforesaid electrode means being displaceably arranged with respect to said inlet means.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide electrode means which have a plurality of terminals for connection with the electric current source, in order to selectively increase or decrease the length of electric current bath in the bath liquid.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention resides further in the novel arrangement and combination of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiments of the invention herein disclosed may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of this invention.

Some practical embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a bath tub made in accordance with the invention and containing two electrodes.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of 'the bath tub shown in Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of a bath tub embodying the invention and provided with two electrodes, one slideable with'respect -to the other.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view ofthe tub illustrated in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic side View of Athe bath tub of Fig. l but showing the electrodes in different positions. v

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic side View of a bath tub structure according to the invention and showing one of the electrodes swingable with respect to the other.

Fig. 7 is a partial sectional View on an enlarged scale of the swingable-electrode'portion in a bath structure shown inFig.6. f

Fig. 8 is an Yenlarged sectional View of a swivel spray nozzle or shower head including electrode means and clamp arrangement.

Fig.9 is asectiorralside View of a modied'bath tub made in accordance with the invention. t

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the tub structure shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged detail view of the trap for the water tank cover.

A* Fig. 12 is a side View of the detail shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a bath structure in which the human body may be disposed in sitting position.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, it is disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2 one form of bath tub structure made in accordance with he invention. As seen in the drawing, the bath tub proper is substantially L-shaped, the horizontal portion 2| thereof being adapted to receive the thighs and the legs of the bather (not shown), while the substantially slanting or inclined portion 22 upwardly extending from portion 2| of the bath tub structure is adap-ted to contain the chest and upper parts of the bathers body. Portions 2| and 22 are respectively provided with electrodes 23, 24, the structure of said electrodes being preferably the same or similar to that disclosed in co-pending patent application Serial Number 380,940, filed February 2'7, 1941. Electrode 24 is so disposed in tub portion 22 as to be employed as a back rest for the bather, whereas electrode 23 is arranged in tub portion 2| for contact with the bathers feet. Electrodes 23, 24 are preferably provided with a plurality of terminals 25, 26, 2l and 25a, 26a, 21a, respectively, for obtaining different lengths of path of electric current through the water when contained in the bath tub 20. To this end, terminals 25 and 25a, for instance, may be connected to a source of electric current (not shown) and a cross-wise path of electric current in the water will thus be established as indicated in dot-dash lines (Fig. 2). It will be apparent that a current between 26 and 25a through the water will pass a shorter path through the water between said terminals.

A container or tank 28 located underneath the tub portion 2| is connected with the latter in a manner and for a purpose which will be explained further below and with reference to Fig. 9. Bath tub 2D together with container 28 are supported by four legs 29 which may be of similar structure as that shown and described with respect to Fig. 9.

In Figs. 3 and 4 bath tub structure 23a is shown which is similar to that disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2. However, the electrodes are located and disposed within the tub in a different manner. Electrodes 30 and 3| are slidably arranged on rods 32, disposed at the upper part of the side walls 32a, of the tub portion 2|a, and the electrode 33 is so disposed and positioned in the bath tub 20a that it may serve as a seat for the bather when reclined in the bath tub. Electrodes 3D and 3| may be connected to one terminal of an electric current supply source whereas electrode 33 may 'be .joined to the other terminal of said source (not shown). It will be apparent that diierent lengths of current path through the water contained in the bath tub, may be obtained if the electrodes 30 and 3| are displaced or slid along rods 32 relativeiy to each other and/or to electrode 33 which may be xed in its position. In Fig. 5 the bath tub structure 20h contains the electrodes 34, 35 in the inclined and upwardly extending tub portion 22b, no electrodes being contained in tub portion 2lb. It is obvious that in the latter instance when electric current flows between electrodes 34, 35 the current will pass the chest of. the bather when reclined in tub 20h.

Fig. 6 shows the same structure and disposition of the electrodes as disclosed in Fig. 5, While electrode 35a is xedly connected in upwardly extending tub portion 22h at wall 4|a, electrode 36 is made swingable about pivot 31 connected to wall 4| of tub portion 22h. Wall 4| has an opening 40 through which passes water inlet or shower head 38 of known construction which is connected to a hose 39. Shower head 38 may be employed as the water inlet for the tub as well as in connection with electrode 36 in a manner as disclosed in U. S. Patent Number 2,240,504. Electrode 36 may be displaced or swung (for instance to position 36D in the direction of arrow A) relatively to the water inlet 38 as well as to xed electrode 35a, whereby the direction of the electric current conducted through the water stream emitted from the shower head 38 may be varied in a wide range. Y

Fig. 7 shows in somewhat greater detail construction and positioning of the electrodes and that of the shower head in tub portion 22h. As it is apparent from Fig. 7, closure wall 42 covering the horizontally extending tub portion 2lb has interposed between it and wall 4| sealing means 43 made of rubber or like material whereby a water-tight joint between said walls is achieved.

Instead of a shower head 38 as shown in Fig. 7, a nozzle construction 49 as disclosed in Fig. 8 may be employed. This nozzle construction 49 is preferably removably attachable in any position on one of the walls of the tub (not shown) by means of a clamping mechanism 10 in any conventional manner.

The nozzle construction 49 is comprised of the nozzle proper 50 which has the opening 50a at its forward end. Nozzle 50 may be swivelled with its curved walls 5|, 5 la within shell 52, the latter being connected to tube or hose 54. Between curved walls 5| and 5|a extends'perforated partition 55 having apertures 55a. Partition 55 centrally supports electrode 53, terminal 53a of which being connected through wire 56 which extends through tube 54, to an electric current supply source (not shown). As it can be easily realized from the drawings, water may be supplied through tube 54 and perforated partition past electrode 53 into nozzle 50. Electric current may thus be conducted by the water jet emitted from opening 50a between said electrode 53 and another electrode of opposite polarity, for instance, such as 35a positioned within the bath tub. Thus, it will be possible to direct an electrically charged water jet from nozzle 50 toany particular part of the human body in contact with an electrode of opposite polarity. As it is obvious from the drawings, the nozzle construction is carried and supported by sleeve of the clamping mechanism 10. Y

It is, of course, understood that therelectrode structures diagrammatically shown in the drawings, may be of a type as disclosed in co-pending patent application Serial No. 380,940 above referred to. l

Fig. 9 is a sectional side view of a bath tub vessel in a modied form, showing tub with its elongated, horizontally directed portion 80a and its -slanting portion Bilbupw'ardly extending from the latter. Tub portion 80h has the top opening 80c formed by rear` wall 8|a and side walls SIb and Bic. The front wall of tub portion Bb is removable and consists of sections 8|, 82 which are preferably provided with removable hinge means 81 the latter connecting the front wall sections 8|, 82,.with side walls 8|b and 8|c which are provided with any known means (not shown) to make this connection water-tight.

Sections Si and 32 overlap each other at their abutting ends and may be made impervious to water and `tightened thereat by wing screws 85, as shown in Fig. 10. In order to closethe open top of tub portion 8de when the latter is in use, top wall sections S3, Se are provided, which may be of similar construction as front wall sections 8|, 82 and which have hinge connections 81a and wing screws 8S for a purpose hereinabove described in connection with sections 8|, 82. Sections 8! and B3 and sections 82 and 84 are provided at their abutting ends 83a and 82a with any known sealing means, for instance, in the form of rubber strips or the like 88 (Fig. 9) so that the aforesaid front and top wall sections may be brought in water-tight connection with each other and also with the side walls of the tub structure 8B.

Bottom wall Sid of tub portion Sta possesses a relatively large opening 8|e which connects said portion 80a with tank l positioned therebelow. Above opening 8 ie is xed a preferably perforated seat 8S which may contain an electrode (not shown) of an insulated type, as disclosed in copending patent application Serial No. 380,940, above referred to. Normally, opening 8 e is closed from below by liquid discharge means or flap 90 which is swingable about a pivot 9| xed to the underface of bottom wall 81d, as seen in Fig. 9.

The free end of flap 99 is supported and tightly pressed against said underface by means of spring-actuated lever 93 which is rotatable about bolt S2. Bolt 9i? protrudes through side wall 9S of tank le@ and carries a spring-lever arrangement 95, SB positioned on the outer face of said tank side wall 99 (Figs. ll and 12). Spring 95 is xed with one of its ends to a Stud 95a Xed to said side wall i), whereas the other end 97 of said spring is insertable into loop or opening 98 of lever 96. A handle 913 is connected to the end 91 of spring 95 for a purpose hereinafter described.

As aforesaid, iiap Si! closes up (through leverspring arrangement 95, 95) opening Ble of the bath tub 8@ so that when the latter is lled with water, no water can escape from tub portions 86a and Bb. The tub structure may contain at any desired positions therein electrodes, such as diagrammatically illustrated in Figs. 1 to '7. As seen in Fig. 9 (when sections 8|, 82 and 83, 34 are in water-tight engagement with tub 8B), the water rises from tub portion 83a into tub portion Stb and provides in the latter a higher level than in tub portion 8Go, as this portion 89a, is entirely closed and communicates with tub portion 8019. After an electro-therapeutic bath has been administered to the bather who reclines in bath tub Sil, it will be desirable to very rapidly empty said tub 8o in order to free the bather from the bath liquid after termination of his treatment, and to permit him to withdraw from the bath tub Without waiting until the tub is emptied in a customary manner. To this end, either the bather or an operator may pull handle 94 in order to release spring 95 from its connection with lever QE whereby lever S3 will be moved in the direction of arrow C (from position I to position II) whereby said liquid discharge means or flap will be released from holding lever 93, thus allo-wing the water from tub Sil to instantly escape through opening Sie into tank From tank il the water may then be more slowly discharged through a preferably flexible hose |63 which may be co-ntrolled by valve |64. As seen in Fig. 9, a similar hose and valve construction IUI, |02 is providedl in bottom wall 8|d of said tub S-for facilitating -a slow discharge of water'from said tub 80.

In order to 'modify the positioning of the bather in tub @El and to thereby regulate the water level in tub portions 83a and Sill) respectively, the legs |0011 which support container li and tu-b 8B, may lbe made adjustable in height and inclination. Any4 known regulating means, such as rack and pinion drive, indicated by numeral |05, and ball joint indicated by numeral |85 may be employed for this purpose.

From the above, it can be realized that it is thus made possible to vary and regulate in tub portions 35a and Elib the water column through which an electric current may be transferred to the bather and further the Water level in each of said tub portions.

Fig. 13 shows a sectional side View of a modified tub structure IG in which the human body may be disposed in sitting position on a seat xed within said tub or vessel ii' at rear wall I2, Below seat iii is arranged a tank H3 for a purpose similar to that described in connection with tank m0 (Figs. 9, ll and l2). Tub structure lili can -be employed as a foot bath as weil as a full bath with the bather in sedantary position. To this end, iront wall sections I id, i i5 can be either removed or tightly connected with one another and with the side walls of the tub HG, sealing strip means i6, of rubber or similar material being interposed for this purpose. Sections ||l|, HE may be hinged to the side walls of tub Ii in the .same or similar manner, as disclosed rwith reference to sections 3i, 32 and 83, 8d of Fig. 10. Section H8 is fixedly connected to bottom H9 and to side walls of the tub or vessel structure i@ so that upon removal of lthe front wall sections H4, H5 from section HB and the side walls, the lower portion |23 of the vessel may be used as a foot bath. It is Well understood, that electrodes maybe placed in said bath structure |||J in any desired positions, according to its use as a foot bath or as a full body bath.

It is well understood that the walls of the tub may be made of an electric insulating material or may have one or more layers of such material. The nozzle above referred to may be made of rubber or rubber composition or like insulating material.

While there has been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the above embodi' ments, it will be understood that various admissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the apparatus illustrated and its operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed as new and desired to be secured -by Letters Patent is:

l. An apparatus for electro-therapeutic or similar treatments comprising a bath vessel provided with an upwardly extending portion for receiving the upper parts, such as the chest of the bather, and provided with a portion angularly disposed with respect to said inst-mentioned portion and adapted to receive the thighs and legs of the bather, a seat provided in said vessel, a tank iocated substantially below said vessel and connected to the latter to vform a unit therewith, liquid discharge means positioned between said tank and said vessel and arranged to open up into said tank, and lever means including a handle,

l2. An apparatus according to claim l, including supporting means for said unit, and adjustable means associated with said supporting means for varying the position of said unit rela- 5 tively to said supporting means.

FRED LANDAUER. 

